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Residential specialists
Extensions, loft conversions, new homes, HMOs, conversions and small residential developments.
The studio
Residential architecture, led with direct expertise.
Hepburn Architects is a director-led studio for homeowners, developers and property owners across Birmingham, the West Midlands, Teesside and the wider UK.
Design, planning strategy and technical coordination are brought together through one clear process, with trusted independent specialists added where the project requires them.
Founding DirectorDavid HepburnArchitect · ARB · RIBA
Director-ledOne consistent architectural lead
Two studiosBirmingham and Nunthorpe
Residential focusHomes, conversions and development
Collaborative deliverySpecialists selected around the brief
Meet the founding director
Personal architectural guidance without the handovers.
David Hepburn leads the architectural design, planning and technical coordination of every Hepburn Architects commission.
His experience covers house extensions, loft conversions, new homes, HMOs, residential conversions and small development sites. The approach is deliberately practical: understand what the property can support, identify the strongest approval route and develop design decisions that improve value, light, usability and long-term performance.
Clients retain direct access to the person responsible for the architectural work. Independent specialists are coordinated as part of the wider project team rather than replacing that direct relationship.
Practice expertise
Design, approval strategy and technical thinking developed together.
The studio provides a coordinated route from early appraisal to Building Regulations, with specialist input introduced where the project genuinely requires it.
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Planning-aware design
Design decisions are developed alongside the approval strategy, site constraints and local policy context.
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Technical continuity
Concept design can be carried forward into coordinated Building Regulations information and specialist input.
Collaborative team
A wider project team assembled around each commission.
Hepburn Architects works alongside independent practices and specialist consultants. Each collaborator retains their own professional identity while contributing coordinated expertise to relevant commissions.
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Independent collaborator
Adam Ali
Structural EngineerStructural HubStructural design, calculations and coordinated advice for alterations, extensions and new-build projects.
JH
Independent collaborator
James Hodgkins
Planning ConsultantSimply PlanningStrategic planning advice for complex applications, appeals, policy matters and development opportunities.
JM
Independent collaborator
Joanne McLoughlin
Planning ConsultantInishowen Planning ltdStrategic planning advice for complex applications, appeals, policy matters and development opportunities.
MA
Independent collaborator
Mohammed Ali
Structural EngineerStructural HubStructural design, calculations and coordinated advice for alterations, extensions and new-build projects.
A flexible team, not a one-size-fits-all appointment
Consultants remain independent businesses and are appointed or engaged according to the needs of each project. This gives clients access to the right expertise without carrying unnecessary consultant scope.
How we think
Clear thinking before unnecessary complexity.
Good residential architecture should be ambitious enough to improve the property and realistic enough to obtain approval, coordinate properly and move toward construction.
Listen before drawing
The brief begins with the client, the property and the reasons behind the project.
Resolve risk early
Planning, access, technical constraints and consultant requirements are considered before avoidable work begins.
Design with purpose
Space, light, circulation, privacy, value and buildability take priority over design gestures without a clear benefit.
Build the right team
Independent specialists are brought into the process when their expertise adds genuine value.
How an appointment works
A clear route from first conversation to construction preparation.
Services are agreed in defined stages, allowing the appointment to match the project rather than forcing every client into the same scope.
Consultation and appraisal
Understand the property, project brief, likely constraints, budget expectations and most appropriate next step.
Survey and feasibility
Record the existing building and test realistic options before committing to a developed proposal.
Concept design
Develop layout, form, appearance and key decisions around light, circulation, privacy and value.
Planning
Prepare the architectural submission and coordinate the approval strategy and supporting information.
Technical design
Develop coordinated drawings and information for Building Regulations and specialist consultant input.
Construction preparation
Support a clearer handover into pricing and construction, with the scope agreed for each appointment.
Hepburn Architects typically supports projects through survey, feasibility, planning and technical design. Construction-stage or site-support services are agreed separately where appropriate; the practice does not present routine day-to-day site management as part of every appointment.
Professional reassurance
Independent advice supported by recognised professional standards.
Clear appointments, defined outputs and professional accountability are central to how the studio works.
- ARB-registered architect
- RIBA Chartered Practice
- Professional indemnity insurance
- Clear written fee proposals
- Defined project stages and outputs
- Direct access to the founding director
Our studios
Regional knowledge with a wider project reach.
The Birmingham studio leads work across Birmingham, Solihull and the West Midlands. The Nunthorpe studio supports Teesside and North East enquiries through the dedicated North East website.
Birmingham Studio
Izabella House, 24-26 Regent PlaceBirmingham
B1 3NJ
Nunthorpe Studio
1 Church LaneNunthorpe
Middlesbrough
TS7 0PD
Start with a clear conversation
Bring the right architectural and specialist team around your project.
Discuss the property, brief and likely approval route directly with David before committing to the next stage.